Prince William has issued a stark warning about the future of the planet as he spoke at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco.
The Prince of Wales joined the principality’s Prince Albert at the environmental summit focused on ocean preservation.
The Forum is organised by the Government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with support from France and Costa Rica.
After opening briefly in French, William delivered a keynote address at the event in which he said the guests were “united by our deep connection to the ocean and our concern for its safety”.
William urged guests that the 'clock was ticking' on humanity's ability to save the earth's oceans
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“For many of us, it is a place where some of our happiest memories are made… where we have explored the wonders of the natural world… and we have all relied on its great abundance for our food and livelihoods,” he continued.
The Prince of Wales praised the “ambitious” global commitment to “protect 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030. It is our best chance of reversing the damage done to our planet and restoring its wellbeing”.
However, he warned that the “clock is ticking” on humanity’s ability to keep to that commitment.
“2030 is fast approaching, and only 17 per cent of land and just three per cent of the ocean has been fully protected.
William was speaking at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco
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“If we are to reach our goal, we urgently need to take bold action to protect and restore our planet,” William declared.
Even as he acknowledged that the “challenge is like none that we have faced before,” the Prince assured that he remained an “optimist”.
“I believe that urgency and optimism have the power to bring about the action needed to change the course of history,” he said.
Part of William’s hope for the future came from his role as the Founder and President of The Earthshot Prize.
The Prince said he was 'optimistic' about the future from his experience as Founder and President of The Earthshot Prize
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The prize is rewarded to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism.
“I see the incredible examples of the ideas, innovations and technologies that are harnessing the power of the ocean whilst protecting its vitality,” William said of his experience.
In his speech, the Prince highlighted the founders of Coral Vita and 2021 Winners of The Earthshot Prize, Sam and Gator, who financed a major restoration project off the coast of Grand Bahama to protect coral.
He also celebrated last year’s Earthshot finalist, Douglas, the founder of MiAlgae, who has worked to: “End reliance on wild-caught fish as a primary source of Omega-3 has saved 2.4 million wild fish”.
William attended alongside Prince Albert of Monaco
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In a final highlight, William spoke of Enric of Pristine Seas, a 2021 Earthshot Prize Finalist and pioneer in Marine Protected Areas.
“Pristine Seas has already helped establish 29 of the largest MPAs in the world that cover an area over twice the size of India,” he celebrated.
William also revealed that Enric was part if the team behind Sir David Attenborough’s new documentary on preserving the oceans.
“It makes the most compelling argument for immediate action I have ever seen,” the Prince added.
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William also celebrated Sir David Attenborough’s contribution to ocean conservation
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“As ever, Sir David leaves us with a sense optimism that all is not lost. He believes change is possible.
“Put simply: the ocean is under enormous threat, but it can revive itself,” he continued.
William concluded with a call to “act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance”.
He capped the address with the declaration: “For the future of our planet. For the future generations. We must listen to the words of Sir David Attenborough: ‘If we save the sea, we save our world.’”
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